Social Workers in the Storm

How have you fared in the storm so far? In the panhandle we are getting clouds and wind, probably rain later today. I hope Nicole is moving through quickly. The last thing you need is more wind and rain. It’s amazing how much anxiety another storm - even a small one - can generate after what you’ve been through. Take stock of how you are. Write down the good things so you can see them on paper. Ask for help if you need it. Lots is people depend on you for help, but don’t drain your own tanks dry. Praying for you today. Thank you for what you are doing every day. ❤️

Waiting is the hard part. Not that you want another storm to hit, but sometimes you just want it over already! Don’t let yourself overload on the anticipation of this storm. Be intentional right now. Just as you gather supplies and make plans, you must remember to care for your own self. Take five minutes to do something that shores you up and nurtures you. We’re praying for safety from this storm. Take care of yourselves. ❤️

It’s hard to feel like you’re recovering when there’s a new threat on the horizon. Do you feel like the wind has been taken from your sails? I understand. After Michael, we were threatened by Dorian until it changed its track. I am praying that Nicole does the same and shifts away from you. If the worst happens, be assured that you will manage, one day at a time. One hour at a time if need be. In the meantime, be angry, be afraid, be exhausted, feel overwhelmed - whatever you feel. It’s not wrong. You will get to the other side. Many people are praying, many more will come to help if the storm hits. You are not alone. What is your specific concern? How can I pray for your right now. Let me know and it’s done. ❤️

This popped up in my memories today. It’s from a month after Michael hit. It’s a long post, but still so relevant. Here’s to your hero’s journey…

5:42 am Day 25: I’m reading a book called Imperfect Courage by Jessica Honegger. She is the founder of Noonday Collection, which is a socially conscious business that helps women all over the world develop their talents and raise their families, and even whole communities, out of poverty. She has an inspiring story, and I especially like this quote from the introduction: “Perhaps the hero’s journey is not for a few brave people after all but is an invitation to me, to us all, to rally our courage and go do the thing we’re meant to do.” Maybe we all need to write that down and stick it somewhere so we can read it every day. Right next to it should be God’s invitation and promise from Jeremiah 33:3: “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” I think we can all agree that life for us will never be the same. Some businesses will never reopen, and some people will leave to find work and a new place to live. Some will stay and start over again right here. I miss the beautiful, green canopies of the trees and the shade they offer, but the compensation for that loss has been some of the most breathtaking skies I’ve ever seen. They’ve been there all along, I just couldn’t see past the trees. As I sit here writing this morning, I’m watching a sunrise through the window-the colors and the shapes of the clouds. So pretty. No one paints like God, but those beautiful pictures are never still. The clouds drift and change shape. Colors change as the sun comes up. Like everything God touches, it is alive and changing. All of his creation is dynamic and doing what he created it to do. That is why young trees begin to grow in ruined yards, and birds and squirrels find new homes and continue to prepare for winter. It’s what they do. We are like that, too. Sometimes we act courageously because we choose to make a change and we jump in with both feet. Sometime that change happens without our consent and we find the world has become an unfamiliar and frightening place. We are all on a hero’s journey, each of us on the unique path God has designed for us, and by divine design, all of those individual paths are intricately woven together to create a beautiful, magical work of art. Maybe now is the time to step out on that path. What has God been speaking into your heart? Take him up on his promise and ask him to tell you those unsearchable things. We are on this journey no matter what. We can crawl
in a cave and try to pretend nothing has changed, and in doing so miss the best adventure of our lives, or we can do like Jessica Honegger suggests, and go scared. Dare to dream. God has more planned for our recovery than getting power back, and debris hauled away, and cable. I don’t want to get back to where I was. I want to move forward to what can be. God has plans. I want in. Let’s go scared and go do the thing God means for us to do. God’s grace and peace and courage to you today. ❤️

The best plans… I was filling in for another social worker, seeing a patient out in the middle of nowhere. He had some cognitive issues but would let me come if I brought a Sonic blast. I got one for both of us and headed to his house, the Blasts melting and running into my cup holders the whole way out. Ugh! I hit a detour on the way which added 10 minutes to the trip, and more melted ice cream to my cup holder. To top it off, when I got to my patient’s home HE WASN’T EVEN THERE! I had great intentions, but the ex*****on lacked, uh, all the things that make for a good plan. All that to say, when things don’t go as planned, clean up and keep going. No one does it right every time. Should I have tried this Blast thing? No, and it shouldn’t have taken hindsight to see that, but sometimes I just want to try even when I know better. I hope you have a working Sonic in your area. If you do, take 10 minutes to sit in your spot and have a Blast. You’ve earned it. If not, I’ll hold your place for you until you can get here. Find some way to treat yourself a little today, and give yourself grace for the plan that just didn’t happen. ❤️

I call them tree tunnels, when the trees grow close together over the road. The branches meeting together overhead create a little cocoon, a safe, quiet space for a few minutes. I almost always stop and take a picture. I love it when God provides that bit of nature that reminds me that he covers me every day with protection and grace. Even when nature is a mess, like after a storm, there are reminders that God is there making things right again. Look for them today. He’s got you. ❤️

Well here it is, the first holiday after the hurricane. Feel like celebrating? Probably not, but here’s where we can take a lesson from children who seem to naturally live in the moment. After Michael so many people were living in the shelters on October 31, which was less than 3 weeks after the storm. I will never forget going to check on my patients and seeing children in costumes - made, donated, found- flitting from group to group getting candy and small toys. Laughter and those high-pitched squeals that only small children can make filled the air, and even the most down-hearted adults couldn’t help but smile. What a gift it is to be able to live in the moment. Even in shelters or tents or damaged homes, there is always a way to find a few moments to just put it all aside and let your inner child enjoy a bit of joy. Take care, we are still praying for you. ❤️

Some things shouldn’t have to be said. Right? Boundaries are so important in every area of life, and social workers constantly walk a sometimes fine line with our jobs and clients. In disaster recovery those lines can go beyond blurred to flat out demolished. Getting them back is not easy, but don’t be afraid to step back when you need to. It’s part of getting back to “normal.” You can be kind and firm when setting boundaries but once you do it, you’ll get some peace back, and that’s a beautiful thing. Ask for help and get some perspective if you need it. You’re worth the work. Thank you for everything you do. You’re amazing.❤️

One of the hard things for me after weeks and weeks of recovery was the color brown. Grass was gone, trees were down and dead, and all the bright, pretty colors were gone. I’m not an expert on the psychology of color, but oh my goodness I needed something besides brown! Are you like that? It’s Saturday. You’ve earned another weekend, so why not take a drive to find some green? A little time in the car with some music, a podcast, or complete quiet can be so soothing, especially when the reward for that time is catching sight of flowers blooming and Florida grass still green. Feed your soul today by feasting your eyes on something beautiful. You’ll be so glad you did. ❤️

I saw this picture on Facebook this morning-crews working on Sanibel Causway. I remember similar crews working for us, and that moment when our power was finally restored. Three workers from out of state lost their lives when they were hit by a drunk driver. How do you say thank you to someone who sacrificed so much so your life can get back to normal? That was four years ago and I still can’t answer that question. There are so many helpers and first responders and you are among them, helping to restore balance and bring order to chaos. Never think it doesn’t matter. Thank you is not enough but it’s what I have today. ❤️

Did you have a hurricane stash? Not the extra water and canned things, the comfort food stuff. Junk. This was a road trip stash, but I had a similar - and larger stash for hurricane recovery. Sometimes you need inspirational sayings, sometimes you need words of care and compassion. Sometimes you just need 10 minutes in a dark, quiet place with a king sized pack of peanut butter cups. It’s an UNguilty pleasure. Please feel free to indulge as needed. How are you guys doing down there? We are still praying for you. Thanks for being beacons of light right where you are. ❤️

“One day at a time.”
“The new normal.”
After Michael we threw those phrases around like they were pure gold - until we were so sick of them we couldn’t stand it. The truth was, it was a new normal, but it was also just life. It was what we had in that moment, those days, weeks, and months after the storm. If you’re a person of faith you may know the scripture that tells us not to worry about tomorrow because today has enough trouble of its own. I can’t think of any time that’s more true than following a natural disaster. For us it was important to look forward with hope to the time when things would be back to some semblance of normal, but more importantly, we needed to remember that every day that we got up and did life - whatever that looked like that day - was a win. You may be back to mostly normal right now, or you may still be waiting for power, or living in a shelter or hotel or a damaged home. Whatever your situation, all you have to take care of is today. God has got you, and we are still praying. Have a great day today, and thank you for getting up to do it all one more time. ❤️

It’s only Monday, but any time is a good time for a nap, right? The world will not crash and burn while you rest, but you might if you don’t. Listen to your body and your mind. There is no right or wrong time to rest, except when you need it. Thank you for everything you’re doing. Take care of yourselves today. ❤️

In all this hurricane recovery, have you learned a new skill - or attempted one? We were without power for 11 days so during that time I learned to cook on a camp stove. That may not sound like a big deal to you, but it was new to me. I did okay and we didn’t starve 😁 but any time I’m using a gas container and fire it makes me a little nervous. I did it, though, which made me feel like I was contributing to our survival. Disaster recovery will absolutely stretch the limits for you, but sometimes that’s good. We’re all capable of more than we think. Sometimes the decision to push out of our comfort zone is a choice we make to meet a goal. Sometimes that decision is made for us and we simply put one foot in front of the other for as long as it takes. One day you can stop and look back and say, “I can’t believe I did that!” You’re doing life, my friends, and you’re making it. Don’t stop now! ❤️

Compassion fatigue. I think I have that right now, and it doesn’t make me feel good about myself. I can only imagine that many of you are feeling this as well. How do we handle it? Time away, if possible. Also, gentle reminders to our worn out selves that being tired and overwhelmed does not make us bad people. I work in a part of the state that is very rural with few resources. Many of my patients live in social security and that is not enough. They need everything and can’t afford anything. They look to me for answers and when I don’t have them I feel like a failure. We all need people who can give us perspective in times like these. You work hard and you care deeply. Sometimes too deeply. Today remember that it’s not your job to fix anything. Help, listen, advocate. Do not take people to raise. I often have to remind myself that somehow my clients have survived for many decades without me. 🤪. Yours will, too. Be gentle with yourselves today. You’re doing much good out there. ❤️

It seems crazy to think about planning for the holidays. For some of you they will be fairly “normal.” For others, it will look nothing like what you’re used to. While there is some sadness in that, let it focus your attention on the things that really matter: family, faith, connection, helping others. When all the commercialism is blown away by a hurricane - or any other storm of life - be grateful for the simplicity of time shared with those you love. Thank you for waking up and getting after again today. Be kind to yourself and know you are loved, appreciated, and lifted up in prayer. ❤️

This is my great nephew, John. He was born in June and we are loving him so much! This expression is priceless, and some days suits me perfectly. How about you? Having one of those days? You’re allowed. No one is on their A game every single day. If it’s one of those days for you embrace it. Roll with it. Take special care of yourself. It’s okay, and you will be, too. Thank you for what you are doing every day. You make a difference. ❤️

This was the first Sunday after Michael blew through. The church had no power so we sat in the foyer and had one of the sweetest times of worship and thanksgiving ever. It was good to share stories and see that friends and neighbors were okay. It gave us encouragement for the days to come, and some respite from the initial impact of the storm. I hope you’ve had some moments of respite and fellowship. Thank you for making a difference in more ways than you will ever know. Grace and peace to you today. ❤️

This was me one night after the hurricane, before power was restored, and it was so hot I couldn’t sleep. I sat in my car with a bottle of water, some pecan sandies, and the a/c cranked up. Had the radio on and was singing loud and bad. It was a moment of pure bliss. It’s a new day and a new week. I hope it’s a good one for you, but if not, a little down time with some pecan sandies and the a/c on works wonders. Take care today, and thank you for everything you are doing. ❤️

Survival mode is hard. Rest is essential - it is part of recovery. Whether you’re a person of faith or not, let today be a day of rest. It’s not all on your shoulders and the world will not stop spinning because you take a break. I know you know that, you learned it in social work school. Right?😊. So, set a good example for people who are watching you. Rest. Find something that can be fun and do it. Take time to notice how nature is already recovering, and choose to be grateful today. It makes your heart so light! Chocolate works, too. Thank you, social workers. We are praying for you. ❤️

You made it to the weekend. I hope for most of you that means a little bit of down time. What do you do with your hands? Garden, fix a meal, bake a sweet something, paint, do needlework, restore furniture, write? Addressing emotional pain is important, and part of that is getting out of your head and into your hands. Have you tried coloring books? Jigsaw puzzles? What is it that gives your brain a rest from chaos? Do that thing today and as often as you can. Make it as much a regular practice as brushing your teeth. Over time you’ll notice a difference in how you feel and how you handle things. You may also have something beautiful and/or delicious to show for it! 😊. Take care of yourself today. Rest. Regroup. Hug your family. Play a game
with your kids. Know that you’re important and what you do matters more than you will ever know. Thank you!!❤️

Recovery, like losing weight, takes time. Keep your focus on the end result, but don’t forget to stop every once in a while and notice how far you’ve come. It’s only been a short time since Ian blew through, but take time today to count all the things that are better. A spirit of gratitude opens our hearts and minds to the blessings around us every day. Even when the world around us is in a mess. You are not forgotten, we pray for you every day. You are doing great work. Grace and peace to you today. ❤️

Good morning. It’s almost Friday, but for some of you in the really bad places that doesn’t matter a lot right now, does it? We have friends with a daughter in her junior year at college studying social work. She’s in the Intro class and doing the obligatory interview with a social worker, so last night we talked for an hour about social work and her plans. One of her questions was about self care. I said, “start now, today, you’ll need a well developed habit if you want this to be your career.” I am forty years older than she is, and wish I could go back and take my own advice, but since I can’t I will just say this. I have only gotten good at this in the last ten years or so. Never once has anything bad happened because I took a mental health day when I needed it, or let the laundry go an extra day or two, or had my husband pick up food on the way home because my tired brain couldn’t remember how to cook and egg. Or, for those of you doing home visits all day like me - stopped for a bathroom break, for the love of Pete! There is much to do and you CANNOT wait to rest until it is all done. Carve out time. Yes you can! A rested brain functions better, assesses better, responds better, and takes care of you better. For tips, see below. Riley does it better than anyone I know. Please take care of you today. We are praying for you. ❤️

Oh, and in case it applies, today is National Wear no Bra Day!!! You’re welcome😁

Good morning! I’m hearing such encouraging news about your recovery. I know some areas are still in a big mess, but you guys are doing it so much better than we did! We’re heading towards Halloween which brings up a memory of our first Halloween after the storm- only 3 short weeks later. So many people were still in shelters but they did Trick or Treat anyway. Costumes were donated and so were pounds of candy, and those kids celebrated and played and ate candy like they’d never seen it before. (I actually felt sorry for those grownups in that shelter that spent the rest of that night with sugar stoked children🤣) The thing that struck me was how they lived in the moment. For many their homes were gone and their parents no longer had jobs to go to. They had no idea what the future held for them, but for a little while they played and laughed and indulged in the joy of the moment. As you start another day of recovery, find time to do that-even if it’s only 5 minutes to sit and have a candy bar or a bag of chips with a friend. Take time out of the work of the day to play a little and laugh a little. It’s as important as clearing debris and cleaning out a house and finding a roofer. You’ll be surprised to find how much of a boost it gives you. And also it sets a good example for others. You’re making a difference every day. Thank you!! We are praying for you today.❤️